CHAMBER MUSIC IN UC – The Union City Chamber Players will hold their next concert at St. John’s church at 3 p.m. on Nov. 4. For more information, email stjohnsuc@yahoo.com or visit stjohns-unioncity.dioceseofnewark.org/St._Johns_Website/Arts_at_St._Johns.html.
Watch next week’s briefs for more details.

Union City will honor the Bermes family with a historic marker on Sat., Oct. 27 at noon at 44th Street and Park Avenue.

Daniel Bermes emigrated to Union Hill (now Union City) in 1848 at the age of 24 from Hessen-Darmstadt to escape the revolutions in Germany. In 1851, he established the brewery which covered 42 acres, bounded by the area between 44th and 45th streets, Park Avenue, and Hudson Avenue.

The plant was an architectural work of art, and was supervised by brew master Frederick Schimper, who was assisted by his brother Carl Schimper. The beer received a gold medal for its superiority. The site included a brewing building, office building, ice houses, refrigeration houses, malt house, artesian well, and stables with 65 horses and 36 delivery wagons.

PERC to hold annual fundraiser

The Palisades Emergency Residence Corporation (PERC) will hold their Annual Beer and Wine Tasting Party on Tuesday, Oct. 23 as they honor Grove Reformed Church and celebrate the PERC Kids Program. Be sure to check out the display of the children’s artwork that night.

Grove Reformed Church in North Bergen is the new home to the PERC Kids Program, which includes a Homework Club that takes place during the school year, and a Summer Activities Program.

In 2011, the program needed to find a new space. When Marie Furlong, a deacon at the church, heard the program might be jeopardy if a new space was not found, she sprang into action. The church had a great space that was available weekdays – complete with a gym.

PERC Kids was established in 2007 to help elementary children of low-income families. These children come mostly from households where English is not the first language, and often their parents are unable to help with homework due to language barriers. (PERC runs a homeless shelter in Union City.)

Certified teachers work closely with the students, and review test scores and report cards to identify areas which may need improving. To date all of our children have graduated from grade to grade, and many of them have made the Dean's List or Honor Roll.

The fundraiser will be held Oct. 23, 6 to 9 p.m. at Antonia's By the Park located at 9011 Palisade Ave. in North Bergen. Tickets are $50.

The Dvine Konektion Community Development Corporation is a non-profit organization that provides a free community fair each month. The next fair will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 5516 Jefferson St. in West New York.

Residents of West New York, North Bergen, Union City, Weehawken and Guttenberg are welcome to attend. Groceries and baby supplies will be distributed, and various medical screenings, information and other services will be offered. For more information, please call (201) 617-4484 or visit www.dvinek.org.